Drop Your Buffs
The 30 Best Survivor Gifts That Are Better Than Immunity Idols—Including Jeff Probst Merch
Handpicked by yours truly, a Survivor superfan.
Katie Decker-Jacoby
More stories by Katie
IMAGES: VEXZLE PUZZLES; PUNDRELLA; WRITERDESIGNS; ADOBE. DESIGN: SASHA PURDY/STYLECASTER.
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If you know me on a personal level, you know I’m addicted to the long-standing TV show, Survivor. Before watching, I thought it was about people stranded on an island doing absolutely nothing. Now that I’ve finished 28 of the 47 full seasons and am in the middle of the ongoing 49th season, I know the show is much more than randos eating coconuts on a beach. It’s a reality TV show, but one of the competition ones that requires, above all else, social strategy. However, I’m not writing this story to convert you into a Survivor stan (wellllll, maybe a little). I’m mainly here to share numerous gift ideas for the Survivor fan in your life.
A little while back, my friend gifted me a buff, the long bandana that each contestant wears to signify which tribe they belong to. I was over the moon about it because I didn’t even realize you could buy one online. It was such a unique and thoughtful gift that I still hold near and dear to me. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to gifts for Survivor fans.
Best Survivor Gifts at a Glance
- Best Overall: Custom Survivor Tiki Style Headband, $5
- Editor’s Choice: Vintage Jeff Probst Shirt, $14 (originally $17)
- Best Book: The Survivor Trivia Game Book , $13
- Best Holiday: CBS Survivor Mashup Logo Holiday Sweatshirt, $65
- Best Challenge Replica: Survivor Puzzle Replica – Snake and Balls Puzzle, $134
- Best Hat: CBS Survivor Outwit, Outplay, Outlast Baseball Cap, $40 (originally $45)
- Best Candle: Survivor Candle, $21 (originally $27)
- Best Game: Exploding Kittens Survivor: The Tribe Has Spoken Official Card Game, $15 (originally $20)
- Best Mug: Ask Me About My Survivor Obsession Mug, $15
- Best Shirt: Survivor Borneo T-Shirt, $20 (originally $23)
- Best Accessory: It’s A Stick! Survivor Keychain, $8
- Best Card: Spy Shack Card, $6
You wouldn’t expect it, but there are endless gift options for the friend or family member who has invested way too many hours, days, weeks, and months binge-watching the best show ever. The first retailer you should check is Etsy, since it’s a treasure trove of creative and often one-of-a-kind items. Amazon offers more generic options but it’s still a good retailer for presents, especially if you need fast shipping (don’t forget to sign up for Prime for all the perks).
In my search for the best Survivor gifts, I instantly found a bunch of products that I myself would be overjoyed to unwrap for the holidays, my birthday, or whatever other special occasions there are in the year. Some standouts include challenge replicas (these are for the die-hard fans that live and breathe Survivor), puzzles, and, of course, tons of Jeff Probst merch (Probst is the show’s first and only host, and has gained quite the fanbase—AKA me and my group chat, which is named after his dimples).
There’s no shortage of gifts you can buy online for the Survivor enthusiast on your shopping list, so keep scrolling to see all of your options.
Survivor Gifts: Clothing
Custom ‘Survivor’ Tiki Style Headband
If there’s one gift on this list that is absolutely foolproof, it’s this iconic buff. Every single contestant must wear one to indicate their tribe alliance. On the show, they usually wear it as a headband, tube top, or armband. I was gifted one IRL and have certainly considered making a Halloween costume out of it.
CBS ‘Survivor’ Mashup Logo Holiday Sweatshirt
This ugly Christmas sweater-inspired Survivor sweatshirt is so fitting for the holiday season. It might not have the show’s name on it, but viewers will see the Survivor slogan, “Outwit, Outplay, Outlast,” and know exactly what this garment is referring to.
CBS ‘Survivor’ Outwit, Outplay, Outlast Baseball Cap – Official Hat of Jeff Probst
On Sale 11% off
You might recognize this black Survivor hat, and that’s because Jeff Probst has worn it on the show. They’ll love nothing more than being able to twin with the best reality TV host.
Jeff Probst Shirt
On Sale 29% off
The worlds of Survivor and Taylor Swift collide in this creative, Eras Tour-inspired Jeff Probst tee from Etsy. This is no ordinary Survivor shirt!
CBS ‘Survivor’ Outwit, Outplay, Outlast Sunrise Knit Socks
In need of a stocking stuffer? These Survivor socks have got you covered. You might not be on an island in Fiji, but you can at least pretend you are whenever you look at the sunrise on these socks.
The Tribe Has Spoken Sweatshirt
On Sale 38% off
Let them be cozy in this sweatshirt that honors Probst’s signature line, “The tribe has spoken.”
Vintage Jeff Probst Shirt
On Sale 18% off
Wearing a colorful buff in everyday life might not be practical, so if they would appreciate a gift they can actually wear on the daily, get them this Jeff Probst T-shirt. Its vintage flair makes it a statement shirt they’d probably love to flaunt in public (I know I would).
‘Survivor’ Borneo T-Shirt
On Sale 13% off
Get them this T-shirt
so they can wear it in their Survivor audition tape. It comes in sizes Extra Small through 6XL and in an array of colors.
Survivor Gifts: Puzzles & Games
Exploding Kittens Survivor: The Tribe Has Spoken Official Card Game
On Sale 25% off
You can’t host a Survivor-themed party without some friendly competition! The Official Survivor Card Game lets players collect advantages, discover hidden immunity idols, create secret alliances, and vote out other players to claim the title of Sole Survivor.
‘Survivor’ Puzzle Replica – Snake and Balls Puzzle – Winners at War
This birch wood puzzle recreates one of the most challenging puzzles in the show. Dubbed the Snake and Balls Puzzle, players must roll the ball into the head of the snake without dropping the ball. Control and patience are the name of the game here.
‘Survivor’ Puzzle Party Pack: Tree, Fire, and Fish
On Sale 24% off
If you want to go head to head with your Survivor buddy, get them this puzzle party pack. It comes with tree, fire, and fish puzzles so you can really test who’s got puzzles on lock.
Photo: VexzlePuzzles/Etsy.
‘Survivor’ Challenge Miniature Replica
On Sale % off
The challenges are arguably the most entertaining parts of the show. Whether it’s a puzzle or a full-blown obstacle course, the challenges are always complex and so well-designed. That’s why I was surprised to find this miniature replica of the Bow Diddley, which is a Survivor challenge staple. Contestants have to balance a tiny ball at the top of their bow as they stand on a beam that gets narrower and narrower (AKA harder to stand on and keep their balance). Any die-hard fan would love this 18-inch-long and 5-inch-wide replica.
‘Survivor’ Labyrinth Replica Maze Puzzle
On Sale 19% off
Contestants have to complete puzzles in challenges all the time, ones that look just like this replica. If they’re like me and wonder how they’ll fare in a puzzle showdown, now’s their chance.
‘Survivor’ Puzzle Replica – Fire Puzzle – S47
On Sale % off
Keep them up-to-date with a fire puzzle replica from Season 47. If you order two or more puzzles to challenge your friends, you can message the Etsy creator for a 10% discount code. You might as well make a competition out of it!
Photo: OUTPLAYPUZZLES/Etsy.
‘Survivor’ Puzzle Party Pack
Honestly, who needs UNO or a deck of cards when they have this party pack of Survivor-inspired puzzles? They’re all based on challenges that have actually been solved in the show, like the tree, fire, and maze puzzles, but you can also add more to your order.
Survivor Gifts: Books
‘The Survivor Trivia Game Book: Trivia for the Ultimate Fan of the TV Show’ by Jenine Zimmers
Put your giftee’s Survivor IQ to the ultimate test with this trivia game book
by Jenine Zimmers. They’ll be in the hot seat and have to answer questions like “Do you know which player pretended his grandmother died?”, “Can you name the winner that never had a single vote cast against him, and won fan favorite?”, and more. If there’s one thing to know about Survivor super fans, it’s that they’re competitive, so put your friend’s knowledge to the test!
‘The Survivor Cookbook: Recipes Inspired by the TV Show’s 25 Most Unforgettable Moments!’ by Jenine Zimmers
Who would’ve guessed a Survivor cookbook could exist. Flip through 25 different recipes that are based on the greatest moments from the show. There’s Liar, Liar Mouth on Fire Spicy Shrimp inspired by Jonny Fairplay, Faux Breadsticks influenced by fake immunity idols, and more recipes in this clever cookbook
.
‘The Psychology of Survivor’ by Richard J. Gerrig
Now, this is my kind of book. The Psychology of Survivor
explores everything from alpha male contestants and situational ethics to stress and body image. Any hardcore superfan will dive straight into this thought-provoking book.
‘The Survivor Coloring Book: The 30 Funniest Quotes from the TV Show!’ by Jenine Zimmers
This coloring book
will remind them of all the funny and iconic quotes that have been said on Survivor (there are a lot!). It’s a great gift for the fan who can’t stop talking about the show and is always down to relive the top Survivor moments.
Survivor Gifts: Home
‘Survivor’ TV Show Retro Throw Blanket
If they spend every Wednesday watching Survivor from their couch (shoutout to all of the Cirie stans!), they’ll likely appreciate a cozy blanket to snuggle up in while every episode puts them through an emotional rollercoaster.
CBS ‘Survivor’ Jeff Probst Pillow, Decorative Pillow
If a cardboard cutout is too much, a pillow
of the show’s host will still draw out a funny reaction.
Ask Me About My ‘Survivor’ Obsession Mug
Now this is a coffee mug
I’d be proud to display on my office desk or in my apartment. Who knows, it might make for a great conversation starter.
‘Survivor’ Candle
On Sale 22% off
Fire is a key symbol throughout every season, as it quite literally represents each contestant’s life. Whenever Probst snuffs one of the contestants’ fires at Tribal Council, that means their time on the show is over. This Survivor tradition makes this candle the perfect gift. It comes in Sea Breeze, Vanilla Bean, and Comfort Spice fragrance options and has one of the host’s iconic lines, “Fire Represents Your Life” on it.
Photo: Pundrella/Etsy.
The Tribe Has Spoken Personalized Mug
This mug features one of Probst’s most iconic lines, which he says after reading all the votes and announcing which contestant is getting booted from the show. Unlike the other gifts on this list, this one can be customized. Add a personal touch by including your giftee’s name on the scroll.
‘Survivor’ Christmas Ornament: Hidden Immunity Idol,
Don’t let them decorate their tree without this Survivor ornament. Give them the full hidden immunity idol experience by wrapping and tying it up with a little note inside.
Photo: HannahNDesigns/Etsy.
Jeff Probst All-Over Mug
Probst is an icon, which means he definitely deserves a coffee mug with his face plastered all over it. Troll your Survivor fan giftee with this hilarious item. You can even choose whether it’s a mug, tumbler, or water bottle.
Survivor Gifts: Miscellaneous
Spy Shack Card
Remember when contestant Tony Vlachos built a spy shack by the water well in Survivor: Cagayan so he could eavesdrop on people’s conversations? Absolutely iconic. Your giftee will get a laugh out of this card.
CBS ‘Survivor’ Jeff Probst Cardboard Cutout Standee – Officially Licensed
They’ll be in for a huge surprise when they walk into the room and cardboard Probst
is standing there with his hands on his hips. It’ll feel like walking into a challenge.
It’s A Stick! ‘Survivor’ Keychain
Remember when Survivor royalty Ozzy Lusth made a fake immunity idol in Survivor Micronesia? Believe it or not, there’s now a replica keychain version of it on Etsy. It’s a cute little gift that they’ll get a chuckle out of whenever they take out their keys.
‘Survivor’ Vote Pen
I present to you a replica of the pen the contestants use to write down each other’s names (vote each other off) at Tribal Council. Any superfan will immediately recognize this writing utensil.
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